GONE IN 60 SECONDS: POLICE WARN SALFORD MOTORISTS OF 'KEY FOB HACK' CAR THEFTS

GMP have given warning to the public to beware that there have been a number of keyless car thefts recently.

They are able to do this with a keyless remote which contains a short-range radio transmitter and must be within a certain range usually 5-20 meters of the car to work.

Thieves are able to use these easily obtainable gadgets to detect whether the car features keyless entry and go, once detected the vehicle can be hacked and stolen within less than 60 seconds.

The attack essentially tricks both the car and real key into thinking they're in close proximity. One 'hacker' holds a device a few feet from the victim's key, while a thief holds the other near the target car. The device near the car spoofs a signal from the key.

That elicits a radio signal from the car's keyless entry system, which seeks a certain signal back from the key before it will open. Rather than try to crack that radio code, the hacker's devices instead copy it, then transmit it via radio from one of the hackers' devices to the other, and then to the key.

Then they immediately transmit the key's response back along the chain, effectively telling the car that the key is in the driver's hand.

To prevent this from happening police advise to: 

1. Fit a steering wheel lock.
2. Install a driveway parking post.
3. Use a wheel clamp.

Drivers can also stop cars being nicked while they are at home by using a Faraday bag, which blocks the electronic signal. These consist of a small material bag which the fob is placed into, the material used blocks the signal from being transmitted.

They can be found easily online and are a much cheaper option in some cases: https://amzn.to/2GTAjyD

Some key fobs also allow motorists to switch off the signal.

Even if the thieves are able to access and start your car, these should prevent them from driving away.

Always remember to park in secure or well-lit areas wherever possible.

Remove all valuables when you leave your vehicle.

Lock your door and close all windows. But check these manually - automatic locking devices can suffer from interference. 

Secure all number plates with anti-tamper screws.

You can register all your valuables free of charge at www.immobilise.com